FORT HOOD, Texas - The 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command hosted a change of command ceremony here on Sadowski Field, July 15, to bid farewell to one senior leader and welcome another.
At the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Ronald R. Ragin relinquished his position as the commanding general to Brig. Gen. Sean P. Davis.
With formations representing the subordinate units behind them, Ragin handed the command colors to Lt. Gen. Pat White, commanding general, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, who then presented them to Davis as the new commander. Davis then entrusted the colors to Command Sgt. Maj. James A. LaFratta, 13th ESC command sergeant major, to complete the traditional passing of the colors.
“Our Army has trust and confidence in you, I have trust and confidence in you,“ White said of Davis. “I look forward to watching the 13th ESC grow stronger and continue to exceed all expectations.”
Davis comes to the 13th from the 1st Theater Sustainment Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he served as the deputy commander.
“It’s a wonderful morning for Camille and I, as we are both very happy to be back here at Fort Hood in the great state of Texas,” Davis said, standing In front of the13th ESC. “Moreover, to the gratifying spectacle (conducting the change of command) from this day, and to view all of you out in the field, the show of discipline, Soldiers of the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.”
Over the past 24 months, Ragin has led the 13th ESC through a variety of support operations, including supporting the Department of Defense’s response to COVID-19, Hurricane Ida in Houston and parts of Louisiana, and the NATO response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In addition, elements from the 13 ESC have conducted support operations in almost almost every content. White said Ragin’s leadership has ensured that the 13th ESC can support these diverse operations. His experience and knowledge have been invaluable in leading Soldiers through these challenging times.
“Whether it was planned to provide support for a combatant command, or short-notice missions that where not so planned, the 13th ESC stood ready to answer the call,” White said.
In his final remarks as commander, Ragin thanked his family for their support during his time in command and reflected on leading Soldiers throughout his career. He went on to thank the noncommissioned officers, civilians and family members of the 13th ESC for their hard work and dedication.
“The future is not certain, but the readiness and lethality of the Phantom Warriors must be strong,” Ragin concluded with a loud, thunderous voice. “Sergeants make strong Soldiers, strong Soldiers make strong squads. Strong squads win our nation’s battles, and winning absolutely matters.”
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